Alexandria Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs

Cosmetic dentistry may involve multiple types of treatments that can correct imperfections and enhance the look of your smile. Our cosmetic dentistry services can help address concerns such as:

• Discolored or stained teeth that can be brightened through professional teeth whitening
• Chipped or cracked teeth that affect a person's appearance while making it difficult to chew food
• Gaps in teeth that can create a crooked or lopsided smile
• Worn or uneven teeth caused by grinding or natural wear
• Misalignment or crowding has led to overlapping teeth or other issues
• Missing teeth, which impact oral health in addition to a person's appearance

In many cases, we combine cosmetic dentistry with restorative treatments, ensuring that patients can improve the appearance of their teeth, address problems that have led to difficulty eating, and maintain good overall oral health.

Although all three treatments can improve the appearance of teeth, they serve different purposes:

• Veneers: These thin shells may be placed on teeth to address discoloration, chips, gaps, or minor misalignment. They are primarily cosmetic, ensuring that teeth maintain a uniform color and appearance, but they also add some strength to the natural tooth.
• Crowns: These full-coverage restorations can protect and strengthen teeth that are severely decayed, cracked, or weakened. Crowns restore both appearance and function, and they may be used when the structure of a tooth has been compromised.
• Dental Implants: These implants can replace missing teeth. They will be implanted into the jawbone, providing a new tooth that matches a patient's existing teeth. Implants can restore function while maintaining the natural look of teeth and preserving bone health.

Most cosmetic dentistry procedures are minimally invasive, and they will cause little to no discomfort. Treatments such as dental bonding or teeth whitening typically do not require any anesthesia. Veneers and crowns may involve reshaping teeth, and local anesthesia may be used to ensure comfort during these procedures. At Alexandria Dental Art, we make the comfort of our patients a priority, using techniques that are designed to minimize pain and discomfort while reducing ongoing tooth sensitivity.

Modern cosmetic dentistry is designed to blend seamlessly with natural teeth. We make sure veneers, bonding, and other treatments are custom-matched in color, shape, and size to your existing teeth. Our goal is to create a result that looks completely natural while improving your smile and giving you confidence in your appearance. Most people will not be able to tell that cosmetic dentistry was performed—they will simply notice a brighter, more attractive smile.

In addition to improving the appearance of your teeth, cosmetic dental treatments can also help support your oral health in multiple ways:

• When stains are removed through teeth whitening, you will be encouraged to maintain good oral hygiene habits to keep your teeth looking beautiful.
• Bonding and veneers can protect teeth by addressing chips, cracks, or worn enamel, preventing further damage from occurring.
• Crowns can strengthen weakened teeth and prevent further damage.
• Implants can preserve bone health and restore natural chewing ability.
• Alignment treatments such as Invisalign can reduce the risks of wear, decay, and gum problems that may be caused by misaligned teeth.

By combining aesthetics with function, our cosmetic dentistry services can help you maintain good oral health while preventing future issues.

With proper oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and preventative care, you can make sure cosmetic dental procedures will help you maintain the appearance of your teeth for years to come. Specific procedures :

• Teeth whitening may last around one to three years, but additional procedures can help you maintain the brightness of your smile.
• Dental bonding can last several years before it may need to be repaired.
• Veneers and crowns often last 10 to 15 years or longer.
• Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper maintenance.